Noticing Others Pain. The Comforter.

The younger boys and I spent some time at the pool today. We were sitting at a table eating lunch when two women and one girl arrived and sat down not far from us. We smiled at each other and said a polite, "Hi. Nice to see you."

As the younger boys headed back in to the pool, I walked over and sat down beside one of the women. This woman and 30+ members of her family have moved to the highly secure gated community in Texas from California since 2005. I met several of them at the pool for the first time shortly after we had moved here as well.

Knowing that the matriarch of their family had recently passed on - I inquired about how she and the rest were doing. She shared with me the story of her mother's passing and about how everyone was coping and trying to move on. Little did she know that I was going to be able to add to the story. The details are not necessary for the point of this post except that it give her much comfort to know.

She thanked me for noticing her pain. Interestingly enough? She noticed mine before one day back a couple of years now. Due to that conversation and the one we were having today - she knew that I understood her pain in a very real way. We also discussed how neither one of us would want our loved one back.

Noticing others pain.... Only The Comforter brings joy when the world says, "Death has won."

A Sack Lunch. A Seed Planted. Hope.

How can a simple sack lunch be a seed planted?

How can it be Hope?

The numbers are staggering here in G-town for the children who qualify for free or reduced rate school lunches.

What about those children during the summer months?

That's where Healthy Kids comes in...... Where if you're a local - you come in...

Healthy Kids provide a free sack lunch to any kid under the age of 18.... No proof of household income needed.

It is more than a sack lunch... It is a seed planted in that child's life and hopefully that of their family.

It is Hope in it's most basic form. It says, "Someone sees your need and wants to meet it."

Going to foreign countries is all great and good. Giving money to help feed starving children in other places is too.

But what about right where you are today? This moment?

It really is that simple.

Thoughts From 4 Hours of Sleep...

Wednesdays are my sheer nutty days. I arrive at the physical church building at 8:30 a.m. and do not leave usually until 8:30 p.m. Brother G and I finished the class on marriage we were teaching. So, I found myself hanging out in the Attic with Shelley, Ryan, Micky, Linc and our students - grades seventh through twelfth. (Brother G was in and out as different individuals wanted his attention.)

Ryan was on tap for the night's main talk. As I sat in the back of the room and listened and watched our students - it was clear that they were really listening to him. Ryan has a way with words because of God's love for him, his love for God, and definitely love for students. I am so thankful that the G family has Ryan in our lives. He is a brother is the truest sense because of Christ. I am grateful for his commitment to students and their families. For student ministry is not just about the teens alone nor just about the years they spend in it. Ryan gets that.

Shelley was the closer. Like I told her last Wednesday night after hearing the last 10 minutes of her talk.... I am proud of her and the stand she takes because of Jesus. I am thankful that she is not afraid to hold teens accountable... and love on them like Jesus. To put up those boundaries that teens so desperately need even if they tell you they don't want them.. they really do. Yes, Shelley is the student minister of our two oldest sons. She really is far more than that... She is a sister in the truest sense because of Christ. The G family is incredibly blessed to have her in our lives and for the privilege of being in her's.

In the last few weeks, God has brought into my life a few girls that I know I'm supposed to be reaching out to and those connected to them. For some reason - three of them have the same names even though they are spelled differently. Last night, I got to spend some quality time with two of them. It is no secret that I consider being in their lives as sheer privileges.

Softball Ash has very quickly taken up residence in my heart. She sought me ought while we were worshipping. She always wants a hug. And since I'm a hugger... well, there ya go. One way I have come to worship & praise God after receiving a complete physical healing back in 2003 is through my arms and hugs. Ash said to me, "Camey... There is power in your hugs." Please do not lose sight of this.... it is not my power.... is not in my own strength that I am able to hug. It is only the Great Physician's.. the Almighty King of Kings - my Lord and Savior.

Dating Ashley, as I'll call her, and two of her closest friends and I had a real in-depth talk about all things boys. This Ashley is dating a teenage boy who is like one of my own sons. In fact, he was the one that introduced us to each other. One thing I know to be true.... teens needs adults in their lives who are willing to be real with them. They crave individuals who they can really share with and know that the adults won't just say, "Stop that." Who will ask the hard questions such as "Why?" Who will come pick them up at 2 o'clock in the morning if they get themselves in a situation they need and/or want to get out of. Do not ever tell a teen to call you if you won't be there.

The Students and a few nutty adults and one ten-year-old went to the 9:55 p.m. showing of Prince Caspian. As we were sitting in the theatre - I saw her... the third Ashlee. She did not know I was there until after the movie was over and I walked up behind her and her date. As several of our students were teasing me about something - Ashlee said to me, "You know _____ had her baby. She's ready for you to really start talking to her again through myspace. Her and her boyfriend live in G-town now. She doesn't want you to leave her alone now."

As I sit here thinking back over yesterday after 4 hours of sleep.... I am even more convinced...

While waiting - do not wait. Life's moments are about Him.

How can you be the hands and feet of God today? This moment?

And if you're reading this and do not know Him..... I pray that today will be the day when you see Him if even for only a moment and consider the possibility that He exist and loves you right where you are.

Funny Thing About Peace....

When you have it - sometimes it just can't be explained.

Staffers are down having their picture made at this moment.

I know I am not supposed to be in that picture.

Peace rules!

On Being Missionaries...

Yesterday I was asked if the G-family are becoming missionaries.

We already are.

For the moment - the mission field is G-town and the surrounding areas and wherever this little blog may reach.

Tomorrow - only God knows at this moment.

We are in His Hands.

Talk about Real Insurance. And not just a get out of hell free card.

Indy Escapism at It's Best...and Some Deeper Thought

I have to tell you that I've forgotten how much fun an Indiana Jones movie can be. After all, it's been nearly twenty years since the last installment of one of my all-time favorite movie trilogies. On this particular Saturday the little wife and I were in desperate need of some good old fashioned escapism - especially after the stress and emotional smorgasbord of having our oldest daughter get married last Sunday morning...at sunrise...outside...and then having our middle daughter move out into her own place on Friday. You might say that it was a long and somewhat difficult week, so as we nestled into the seats at the Granbury Driftwood Theater this afternoon for a matinee showing of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," I felt sort of like the Calgon bath commercial of some years ago..."Indiana, take me away." And take me away Indiana did. What a great movie! Yeah, yeah, I know, its been called brain candy, and some of the critics have panned it as not living up to the prior Indiana efforts; but hey, if I want deeper meaning, I'll go see an M. Night Shyamalan flick. Indiana Jones is precisely what we needed today, and it did not disappoint. You had all the escapist staples - good guys, bad guys, good-guys-turned bad guys, the primary villan, danger, intrigue, high energy chase scenes, stuff getting blown up, the love story sub-plot...it was all here! Combine all this with a diet coke, a box of Junior Mints and my bride sitting next to me and I'm not sure, but I think I might have experienced a little slice of heaven right here in G-town, Texas today! But you know what? For no extra charge, I came away from this Indiana movie with a little deeper spiritual thought in my pocket - as I recall that I have with all three of the previous Indiana Jones movies as well. There always has been a very spiritual undercurrent to the Indiana Jones product. I mean, who could ever forget Indiana stepping out into nothingness over a bottomless abys, only to have the invisible bridge appear beneath his feet? A crystal clear illustration of the true nature of faith. In a similar vein, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is most definitely an Indiana Jones for the information age and it speaks directly to our most ardent search for knowledge, truth, and understanding. I'll not blow the plot for those of you who are yet to see it, but for those who have seen it, how poignant of a moment is it when Indiana realizes that its not a treasure of gold they've been seeking (an Indiana plot staple), but yet, a treasure of knowledge? Sitting there in the darkened theater, it reminded me that life really is a pursuit of knowledge, of continually trying to make sense of this window of time we have on this blue marble suspended in space. It reminded me that Solomon, obviously quite a seeker of knowledge himself, wrote that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." It reminded me of the simple fact that without God and His Word, this life makes absolutely no sense at all. It reminded me again that it is in the discovering and living out of God's calling and purpose for our lives that true meaning and cotentment are found. It is serving the true and living God that gives life its context, its meaning, and its purpose. And after all, at the end of the day, isn't that what every human being desires in the deepest depths of their souls? To truly know why they are here and to understand what this life is all about. Reminds me of the old saying that the "richest man existing without knowing God's purpose for his life, lives in abject poverty of the soul." Wow! Indiana Jones is better than ever...pure-de escapism and deeper thought, too! And all that for just five bucks a head!

A Smashed Cell. A Broken Heart.

Our life is stranger than fiction I'm often told. And today, that especially rings true. A part of our time here has included the pool that is connected with the main clubhouse inside the highly secure gated community. I'm often teased for having a pool ministry. I'll take that.... especially this moment.

As I went into what's referred to as the "Teen Room" to order food for lunch.... she was behind the counter. She has served me a couple of times before recently. Each time - talking about more than just Gatorade's in different colors please. A teenage boy who is like one of my own was working as well. We chatted back and forth. As he was cooking our chicken tenders - she told me that he was trying to fix her cell phone. She then showed it to me.... A smashed cell phone.. it clearly had met some one's fist.

She turned away for a moment and I asked, "What happened to it?" She replied, "That's what happens when he drinks. My husband that is." She then continued to speak with more than just mere words. Her broken heart clearly evident. Then suddenly, she pointed to a little girl walking around the Teen Room and said, "My little boy is about that size and he's just nine months old." While there was a smile of a mother's love for her child - there was still the cry of the broken heart.

She has a tattoo on her arm that reads, "No Fear."

Her words, body language and cell phone speak otherwise.

Please pray for her, her husband and their child. Also for those who are connected in whatever ways....

Take time to notice others. Be willing to get involved.

Jesus is the Ultimate Thirst Quencher.

The Carters. More Than A Lawn.

Please pray for Mr. and Mrs. Carter. As the Lawn Pastor was spending time with Mr. Carter yesterday - he learned that Mrs. Carter is not expected to make it through the summer. She is currently in a 24-hour care facility. Mr. Carter goes to see her every single day.

The Lawn Pastor (aka hubby - Brother G) spent some quality time with Mr. Carter last night after taking care of their property. Needless to say - it is no surprise - nor coincidence that one of Mr. Carter's literal neighbors put him in contact with the Lawn Pastor back a few weeks ago now.

Mr. Carter told the Lawn Pastor that they are not connected with any church. This is about more than a lawn.

It is about real life and certain death.

While you're praying for the Carters and the Lawn Pastor too... Ask God to help you think about your neighbors... And then DO!

It's not enough just to talk about it when one can actually do something too!

It is about real life and certain death.

Are you willing to die to self this moment?

Leaping. Going Froggy!

Last night I had the incredible opportunity to share some about what is going on with the G family currently with a few close friends.. individuals who are a part of our family due to God's amazing grace and love. And while I cannot share as much here yet as I did with them - I can share this....

Back in April, I was contacted about doing some writing. At first I was blown away - it moved me to tears. Fear stepped in shortly after and held me for a bit. There's a difference between writing on one's little blog (and other places) and the type of writing that was inquired about doing. The person who was inquiring actually wrote one of my all time favorite books. A book that to this day has had a lasting impact on my life and how I live it. It also influenced my dad, Austin, Micky and numerous others.

Within the last few days - this person came knocking again. And I am leaping. Going Froggy! It's a strange time to start this type of adventure given all else going on in our lives. If it made total sense - would it really take a leap? Faith? I'm SOOOOO not capable of this on my own.

So.... I ask that you pray for me and the rest of the G family. (And for the one who asked me. lol)

And to answer a question that was asked of me last night, "Does it have any thing to do with Evangelism?" Yep. It does. And discipleship....

Signed,
A Leap Frog for God

Spiritual Warfare III - Today IS It!

The G family has been going through some of our wildest times ever the last few weeks. The Spiritual Warfare is thicker..... it is deeper.... Today IS It! I'm even more convinced of it than ever. What do I mean? Let me explain.

God's Word is clear. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow. We're not guaranteed that we will make it through the hours of today. Am I being grim? Nope. Speaking the truth.

Why must we have an urgency about today? Because our moments are not ours. For the Christ follower - we must be about our Father's Business if we are to truly follow Him. Not wait until Sunday... Saturday night... or for whenever there's a time listed on a website or in a worship folder or on a big screen. Today.

If we believe that we are the church.... then we must act like it. If we have Good News to share - we must make the most of every opportunity to share it. And by sharing it - sometimes words are necessary. Other times our actions speak much louder than any single thing we could possibly say.

Think about where you go... what you are doing... who are you crossing paths with.

Today IS It! If we were to live as if today is our last day - can you just imagine what a difference it could make? I know I can....

I am unashamed to believe in God. I am a Christ follower. His Spirit lives in me! And I know that there is nothing that compares to the Love of God. There is no one Greater than God.....

What about you?

Are you going to live today like it is your last? Or are you going to sit by and say, "It can wait until tomorrow?"

His Word is Alive! Not dead.

Lessons from the Little Store.

Austin has been working at the little store located in the highly secure gated community for several months now. This morning, he is actually off work. Funny thing about Austin and that little store? The lessons we continue to learn from it. The following is an example of one such lesson.

There is no question that Austin has great love for the little store. It actually pains him when the store is not in the condition he knows it ought to be in and should strive to be in. Whether it is the produce section or aisle 3 where the jello is at - he wants to the store to be in tip top condition.

Austin is surrendered to God. That's part of where his love for the little store comes from. He sees what he does there as a way to show God's love. Does it really matter if all the jellos are faced the same way? To Austin it does.... it shows someone cares and takes the time to attend to that section of the store instead of overlooking it and saying it does not matter as much as the bananas. Oh.. speaking of bananas - they are the top selling item in the little store.

Ah... the lessons that come from the little store. And from the sixteen-year-old who does not just see it as a job.

Servant Evangelism Alive

These are some of the pictures of Servant Evangelism alive and in action at our monthly Love Granbury event! We would like to thank Wendy's for allowing us to use their parking lot and their water. More pics to come and hopefully a very amateurish video as well.

Note: Yes, Travis is our middle son. Parker is our youngest. Austin was at work at the little store in the highly secure gated community. Brother G was out and about being the Lawn Pastor. Micky is the guy with his back to the camera looking at the jeep.

Servant Evangelism - A Thought or Two

Tomorrow morning is our monthly Love Granbury where we do acts of kindness. On the calendar is a free car wash at our local Wendy's. (That's a fast food chain here in Texas.) Notice the word there is free.

While this has been on our calendar for some time - what exactly we are going to be doing has not. Why a car wash tomorrow? It's suppose to be sunny, hot, and that makes for a great time to engage the great outdoors to sow seeds of kindness. Engaging our neighbors where they can be found.

Wendy's makes a decent burger and don't forget the frosty. It's also in the shopping center with a Home Depot, Starbucks, Wal-Mart.... just to name a few. That's where the "a thought or two" really comes in...

Servant Evangelism is not some complicated thing. It's as easy as some water, a little soap, elbow grease and a great location. All ages are welcome!

Who knew Servant Evangelism could be such fun too? (Ever participated in a car wash and not gotten wet? Or soap in your hair?)

Fed X Man! Special Delivery.

Sometimes one just has to laugh....

Here's the scene:

I'm sitting here at the front desk in the foyer of the physical church building.

In walks the Fed X Man (yes, I know his real name) who says, "Special delivery for Camey."

He walks over and hands me the package.

He then says to me, "You still ___________." (this part will come at another time)

My reply was, "Nope. That's fixing to change." (blah, blah, blah)

His reply, "Sister, the Spiritual Warfare is deep, but keep pressing on. You and your hubby and your sons just keep on following the Lord and praising Him when others done think you are a fool."

We then proceeded to talk about my mobile home to which he busted out saying, "Don't you know that's right Camey! Keep on telling it like it is sister! You are loved by God!"

Now that's what I truly call a Special Delivery.....

Oh, and you reader are loved by God too. Here's hoping your home is mobile.

Risky Business!

Are you available to follow Him?

Yep! That's risky business alright.

Prayer Request - Babies, Children & Teens

ALEXANDRO, 12 months.
BRIANA, 11 years.
KAYLA, 2 years.
AKEEB, 2 months.
CADEN, 4 months.
FORD, 4 months.
GRACE, 3 months.
JACOB, 2 months.
JAX, 15 months.
KIEARRA, 20 months.
KLAIRE, 3 months.
LANE, 22 months.
NATHAN, 4months.
QUOC DAVID, 12 years.
ALEXIS, 15 years.
JAYDEN, 3 months.
JOSEPH, 6 years.
KAYLAN, 22 days.
CAMDEN, 4 years.
DEVIN, 10 years.
EMERY, 10 weeks.
LILYANN, 23 months.

Join us please in interceding on behalf of these babies, children and teens.

Thank you.

The Fast Lane. Willing to Risk.

The Fast Lane:

One of the biggest blessings Brother G and I have is watching our sons as they grow in Christ. As I shared here Unashamed. Austin's Public Surrender - our sixteen-year-old is walking/living close with God these days. It is all the more evident since that day. Yesterday is a great example.

As we were getting ready to head to the physical church building for the day... I asked Austin if he had brought his lunch. He replied, "Nope. I'm fasting from food today." I just had to smile deeply. That kid kicks my butt honestly. But in a good way.....

It's been over a month now since this silly woman has had a Diet Coke or any dark cola product. Austin walks the talk. And God uses him to inspire and challenge this sister-in-Christ (aka his mom). This is his second time to fast from something in 3 months. His first, God used to speak to me about my drinking habits. As any of the women in my Bible study classes can attest.... I almost always had a drink (dark cola product) with me. If I did not have one with me - one of them would go buy me one. Yep..... I was addicted. It was a part of my routine. Giving up dark cola products has been one of the best things about having turned 40.

Willing to Risk:

I believe we are to share our ups and downs and in-between in life and living. And while at times they are for us - sometimes they are not or are a combination of both. In having given away or selling almost everything material wise in 2005 - there has been real freedom. God has used these years to constantly speak to me...... us.... about the difference between a house and home. I am willing to risk looking like a fool for Christ. Brother G and the boys are too.

Our joy is found in following God no matter how easy or difficult that might be.

For in every moment of living and life - for the Christ follower - home is found in Him.

Signed,
Already Home and It's Mobile

Real Liberty for Tana

Please continue to pray for Tana. I first wrote about her here Basic Needs. Tana.

Tana and I are developing a relationship. She called this afternoon and if all goes as planned, Tana and her three-month-old son will be visiting with us on Sunday.

I'm not at liberty to say where Tana is physically at the moment. I can say that she is drawing nearer to God.

And in that - there is the real liberty!

Please pray for Tana's son also. Thank you.

"Walked Away When 16."

Please pray for the man who just left here. He is hurting so bad. He has two daughters. He did say that while I am praying for him and his family... I could also pray for John who is 25 and in the hospital with cancer.

Hurting so bad does not even begin to describe the pain on his face and in his voice. He said that John is not religious but would be open-minded right now. I told him I do not care about being religious.

We will make sure that John is ministered to. As for the man who was just here.... it is no coincidence he is now connected to the physical church building property.

Please join me in praying for them. Thank you!

"Underwear would be falling to his knees!"

One of my favorite things about being a part of the church is when individuals help others with needs. Especially when laughter is had in the giving...

I just had a bag full of underwear brought to me to give to someone else. As the Mayor said, "Well, my husband certainly can't wear these. His underwear would be falling to his knees."

Gotta love it! Especially given the fact that the Mayor, as she is lovingly referred to, is 93 years young. Her husband, Lester, is in his late 80's.

So, now I have a bag full of underwear underneath the desk I'm sitting at.

Some things are just beyond priceless.